Origin : Japan
Made of : porcelain - potery
Classification : things / food
Maker : ?
About "Manju" (manjū - 饅頭) :
Manju is a traditional type of small cake usually made of flower and rice powder. Manju are most often filled with sweet red bean paste and steamed but other types of fillings or ways of cooking are possible. For instance the 'matcha manju' includes green tea powder in the paste. The 'momiji manjū' is made in the shape of a maple leaf and grilled like a ningyo-yaki, it's a speciality of Hiroshima and Miyajima.
About "Japanese maple" (momiji - 紅葉) :
The Japanese maple (acer palmatum) has been cultivated and selected for centuries by Japanese. It's a small to medium size tree with leaves looking like a little hand (momiji). Because of it's small leaves, momiji trees are often used for bonsaïs.
In autumn, some species turn into a very vibrant red. Like for the cherry blossom, Japanese gather to admire the momiji in temples and parks. Kyoto temples and gardens are famous for their beautiful momiji. The mix between bright red and tender green momiji leaves is a delight for the eyes.